n-channel Jfet characteristics

The junction gate field-effect transistor (JFET or JUGFET) is the simplest type of field effect transistor. It can be
used as an electronically-controlled switch or as a voltage-controlledresistance. Electric charge flows through a
semiconducting channel between "source" and "drain" terminals. By applying a bias voltage to a "gate" terminal, the
channel is "pinched", so that theelectric current is impeded or switched off completely.

Structure

The JFET is a long channel of semiconductor material, doped to contain an abundance of positive charge carriers
(p-type), or of negative carriers (n-type). Contacts at each end form the source(S) and drain(D). The gate(G)
(control)terminal has doping opposite to that of the channel, which it surrounds, so that there is a P-N junction at
the interface. Terminals to connect with the outside are usually made ohmic.

Function
JFET operation is like that of a garden hose. The flow of water through a hose can be controlled by squeezing it to
reduce the cross section; the flow of electric charge through a JFET is controlled by constricting the current-carrying
channel. The current depends also on the electric field between source and drain (analogous to the difference
inpressure on either end of the hose).

Schematic symbols
The JFET gate is sometimes drawn in the middle of the channel (instead of at the drain or source electrode as in
these examples). This symmetry suggests that "drain" and "source" are interchangeable, so the symbol should be
used only for those JFETs where they are indeed interchangeable (which is not true of all JFETs).

Officially, the style of the symbol should show the component inside a circle (representing the envelope of a
discrete device). This is true in both the US and Europe. The symbol is usually drawn without the circle when
drawing schematics of integrated circuits. More recently, the symbol is often drawn without its circle even for
discrete devices.
In every case the arrow head shows the polarity of the P-N junction formed between the channel and gate. As with
an ordinary diode, the arrow points from P to N, the direction of conventional current when forward-biased. An
English mnemonic is that the arrow of an N-channel device "points in".

To pinch off the channel, it needs a certain reverse bias (VGS) of the junction. This "pinch-off voltage" varies
considerably, even among devices of the same type. For example, VGS(off) for the Temic J201 device varies from
-0.8V to -4V.[1] Typical values vary from -0.3V to -10V.

To switch off an n-channel device requires a negative gate-source voltage (VGS). Conversely, to switch off a p-
channel device requires VGSpositive.

In normal operation, the electric field developed by the gate must block conduction between the source and the
drain.

characteristics and output plot of a JFET n-channel transistor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JFET